Blog
DON’T FORGET YOUR ELECTRONICS
on April 17, 2019
It all begins with your electrical system. Your electronics performance depends on it. Here are some key inspection points and procedures for checking your electrical and other systems. When were your batteries last replaced? Consider replacing them after three to four years. Ensure battery terminal connections are tight and free from corrosion buildup. Check that the wiring connections for all electronic and electrical devices make solid contact. Terminal connections can and do come loose from […]
LETS GET THAT BOAT BACK OUT ON THE WATER
on April 10, 2019
SPRING BOAT COMMISSIONING BASED ON AN ARTICLE By Frank Lanier Finally, it’s time to ready your boat for the upcoming season! Check Those Thru-Hulls Springtime is the right time to check each of your composite (plastic) thru-hulls for cracks and deterioration. Degradation due to ultraviolet light is the main culprit; however, stress caused by an unsupported hose bouncing around inside also can be a factor. Failure typically begins as a crack where the body of […]
PROPANE & YOUR BOAT
on April 3, 2019
HOW TO HANDLE PROPANE ON A BOAT Here’s a great article by Mark Corke about Propane handling. Propane is heavier than air, which means any escaping gas can end up in your bilge. The results could be deadly. A locker for propane should contain the cylinders, often called bottles, properly secured, and nothing else Note the drainpipe to safely vent spilled gas overboard away from the boat interior. (Illustration: ©2018 Mirto Art Studio) […]
SPRING HAS ARRIVED
on March 20, 2019
The spring equinox (also called the March equinox or vernal equinox) falls on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 5:58 P.M. EDT. This event marks the astronomical first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. WHAT DOES THE EQUINOX MEAN? The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”—aequus (equal) and nox (night). On the equinox, the length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world. With the equinox, enjoy the increasing sunlight hours, with earlier dawns and later sunsets. WHAT HAPPENS ON THE MARCH EQUINOX? On the […]
MAKING A THRU HULL CONNECTION
on March 13, 2019
TIPS FOR SEACOCKS AND THRU-HULLS Connecting equipment to an existing thru-hull or installing a new one can make anyone nervous. After all, an analysis of BoatUS Marine Insurance files shows that about 20 percent of boats sinking at the dock are caused by thru-hull issues. But with some common sense and the right materials, you can rest well knowing your boat is secure. First, keep in mind that any hole below the waterline has the […]
VARYING TYPES OF MARINE SURVEYS
on February 27, 2019
There are different types of marine survey. “One is a Pre-Purchase inspection, which is the most extensive. The Condition & Valuation inspection, which is the one most requested, is mainly used for financial and insurance purposes. Specifically, it’s very useful to insurance companies to determine if the vessel is an acceptable insurance risk. It will also include the valuation to determine the fair market value of the boat. The Damage inspection consists of an inspection […]
VHF RADIO GREAT IN AN EMERGENCY
on February 6, 2019
A VHF RADIO IS BEST FOR AN EMERGENCY Fixed-Mount VHF Radios Arguably one of the most cost-effective safety items you can have on any boat, a fixed-mount VHF allows you to communicate with a wide range of people and organizations: the U.S. Coast Guard, commercial ships, the Rescue 21 network, bridge tenders, TowBoatUS, race committees, and countless others stations. And its full potential is realized when units with Digital Selective Calling, or DSC, are connected […]
GETTING MORE FROM YOUR SURVEY
on January 30, 2019
SEVEN TIPS TO GET MORE FROM AMARINE SURVEY 1. If buying a boat, don’t rely on an old survey that may not give a current representation of the boat. Insurance underwriters will normally not accept a survey older than six months. 2. Attend the survey and take the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about your new boat. Most surveyors are happy to talk about what they’re finding and what needs to be done to correct […]
STAYING SAFE IN 2019
on January 23, 2019
RULES-OF-THE-ROAD REFRESHER FOR BOATERS Start the year right. Here are the rules that will help you avoid a collision. The Pecking Order A vessel lower on the list below must give way to those higher on the list. Generally, recreational powerboats must yield to other types of traffic. 1. Unable to steer2. Limited turning ability3. Restricted by draft (commercial ship)4. Commercial boats engaged in fishing5. Sail and human-powered boats6. Recreational powerboats Give-Way Boat (red): Must alter course and speed to avoid a […]
PROPS
on January 16, 2019
Three-Bladed Versus Four-Bladed Props Three blades versus four? Stainless versus aluminum? Just some of the questions to consider when choosing a new prop. You may have noticed four-bladed props on boats at a marina or boat show and thought, “I wonder what that would do for my boat?” I often recommend a four-bladed prop to boat owners who enjoy tubing, water-skiing, and family outings. Four-bladed propellers have many benefits, including giving the boat more torque […]